Fooooood

 So we headed to the restaurant that everyone had recommended, mum came with us but didn't eat.  We chose to sit on the floor to eat and for this you get your own private booth thing. 

The food was a mixture of meats and rice and some vegetarian dishes.  I went for the palak, nan and rice.  We were first served a soup , no meat ... Except chicken which I discovered after a few mouthfuls.  It was delicious the flavours but I couldn't eat it. 

Main course came out..smelt and looked good.. The rice plate was as big as my head and the naan as big as 2 heads 😜 I was hungry first proper meal since my left night in Uzbekistan!!

It was scrumptious definitely didn't disappoint.  With our take out of left overs I headed back to the hostel, whilst the others went to the supermarket.  Unfortunately my stomach was already gurlgling 😔

To cut a long story short.. The good was good while it lasted and as a friend said eat cheap just incase...it cost me 5 bucks.

The dorm was asleep by 12 no random comings and goings.  Slept till about 6 , waking up to more stomach cramps..ei ei ei .. When will it end. 

Anyhow the plan this morning was to head to the grand mosque.  One of the girls in the dorm was going to come but she was still asleep when I left.  The mosque is only open from 8-11 for tourists.  So I adorned my most suitable outfit, linen trousers, and a linen top both soaked through by the time I got to the bus stop.  (10 min walk)

Thankfully the bus has aircon.. And WiFi.  A short ride and I arrived at the mosque.  Unfortunately the entrance was the other side so a bit more walking.  Had dried out a bit on the bus. 

A car stopped and said hey lady where are you going ..I said the grand mosque, ah he said the entrance is round the corner come with me and we go together, I charge you a good price!! 

Now what would you do...get in the car with the random man and get to the mosque in 2 mins or walk another 20 mins in what feels like your own personal shower? 

Well I opted for option b ! Man alive no shade and what felt like a temperature of 60! And I had to cover my head and my arms and my attempt with two scarves was not good enough.  The soldiers on the gate weren't happy.  They said I could rent a covering from the gift shop. 

In I trotted, it had aircon, I was happy! The ladies inside confirmed I could rent a smock and I was shown into another room where I was fitted with one.  The lady bless her little socks offered me a tissue because I was literally a running tap.

All dressed up and ready to go in I went.  I mean if I was sweating before this was again was another level.  I sucked it up.  The place was immaculate.  So white, so clean.  Everything was planted in rows, in perfect lines.  And then the buildings are all about arches, beautiful white arches.

I entered first into the prayer room, not as grand as I expected but still impressive.  Beautiful chandeliers hanging from an amazingly carved ceiling.  I sat and took in the moment, the quietness, the calmness and appreciated the air con! 

As I left I saw a sign that indicated that that was the women's prayer room... And I was like ok that makes sense because it wasn't as grand as I expected.  

I walked around and a guy asked if I was ok and I was like no lol..hot!!  He said come we have cold water, tea, dates ... So I followed him to the islamic information centre 🤣🤣🤣🤣 so I sat down enjoyed my free cold water and talked for a bit about how we see life differently!! They were very welcoming!!

I continued my tour of this incredible structure.  So many arches, beautiful white arches.  I made it to the main mosque.  Now this is why it is called the grand mosque.  Again no words.  It was a thing of beauty! A chandelier in the centre of this room as big as my flat.  The patterns, the colours, the magnitude of this place is mind blowing. 

There was a free guide in side so I asked a few questions, the place could hold 6500 men sitting inside and up to 20000 outside.  We talked about equality, my meaning and his.  Very very different.   I really really struggle with it all.  It's something I will never understand.  But it is not my religion, it is something I just need to respect whilst being a visitor in their country. 

I walked for a bit longer taking in the grandeur.  But by now I had lost over half my body weight in sweat 😅 🤣 and as my food intake is nil I just really lack in energy.  So I kindly gave the gift shop back their completely soaked smock and headed for the bus.  Not before I was rudely shouted at by a taxi driver.  Literally it was bellowing at me to take his taxi!!!

As I was avoiding the shouting 2 bus loads of what looked liked students came in so it was good timing.

Didn't have to wait long for the bus, popped in for some water and made it back to the hostel where I open to stay for the rest of the day.  Enjoying the luxury of the aircon 😊

There are other people in the dorm that haven't moved...Maybe I'll venture out later! but